Whether you’re in the midst of planning your next spring break or are simply searching for the perfect family getaway, look no further! In this article you will discover a range of three vacation spots suited for everyone from adventurous spirits to those dreaming of spring flowers. You will be sure to find a new spring travel destination you will love from the list below!

Portland, Oregon

With its blooming rhododendrons, roses, cherry trees, and azaleas, it is no wonder that Portland is nicknamed the “City of Roses!” This Northwestern city is a wonderful destination for any traveler looking to experience the blossoms of spring!

When to go? Various species of flowers blossom in Portland all spring long: the must-see rose gardens are at their peak from late-May to early-June, while the cherry blossoms are in full bloom from late-March to mid-April!

What to do? Visitors should be sure to wander around the beautiful International Rose Test Garden with its nearly 700 varieties of roses – if you still haven’t had enough roses after visiting this garden, we recommend you stick around for the Portland Rose Festival. For a weekend trip, try driving down to the coast of the Pacific ocean and go whale watching any time from February to May!

What to eat? Are you a foodie looking to taste your way through Portland? You will love Portland’s Dining Month: for the thirty-one days of March you can choose from over one-hundred participating restaurants that offer fixed three-course meals for $33! If you’re more of a festival-goer, be sure to check out Negroni Week where bartenders from all of the world offer up their twists on this classic cocktail, or stop by Portland Beer Week featuring music, booze, and snacks!

Where to shop? In addition to having lots of great shopping districts, Oregon also has no sales tax, making it a great vacation spot for buying souvenirs! Also be sure to explore Northwest Alberta Street for art, clothing, music, and crafts!

Austin, Texas

They don’t call this city the “live music capital of the world” without good reason! Visit Austin before the sizzling hot temperatures of summer hit in June, and attend some of their many spring music festivals and live concerts!

When to go? Bustling with music, dancing, food, and film, Austin is an ideal destination from March to May when temperatures have not yet risen above seventy to eighty degrees Fahrenheit.

What to do? In choosing from the wide range festivals like the Austin International Poetry Festival or the Austin Food + Wine Festival, no one will be in want of things to do! If you’re visiting in March, be sure to attend the world-famous SXSW Conference and Festival that features dozens of film and music artists showcasing their works. If you’re looking for live concerts, check out the spring schedule at the Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater venue, or stop by any of these dancing venues with live bands! If you’ve had enough of the city scene, escape to the outdoors with the ten-mile Hike & Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake. Finally, be sure to end your night in one of Austin’s many unique entertainment districts!

What to eat? While Austin has an enormous range of great food to try, be sure to grab some great Tex-Mex at Torchy’s Tacos and some Texan barbecue at Franklin Barbecue. But beware, if you’re not prepared to wait in line for three hours at Franklin’s, La Barbecue might be a safer bet!

Sanibel Island, Florida

While Miami, Key West, and Orlando are popular travel destinations for visitors looking for sunny skies and clear waters, Sanibel Island is the perfect getaway for those who still want to soak up some rays while avoiding the crowds!

When to go? For an economic choice that beats the heat, try traveling to this small beach town between March and May, before the rains of June!

What to do? You’ll want to take pictures of the beautiful coastline and collect seashells at Bowman’s Beach and Blind Pass Beach. Discover lots of cool animals – from manatees to crocodiles – at the J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and kayak the 190-mile long Great Calusa Causeway. For a relaxing day trip, visit Captiva Island, located only twenty minutes away, for snorkeling and sailing.

What to eat? You’ll want to get a taste of Sanibel Island’s fresh seafood during your stay! For a family-friendly option, try The Island Cow. For freshly caught, organic, and locally sourced food, dine at Il Cielo. For the classic steak and seafood dining experience, perhaps eat at The Sandbar. Finally, don’t forget to order the fish stew at Sweet Melissa’s Cafe!

Where to shop? Periwinkle Way is the main street of Sanibel Island and features retail, shell, surf, and souvenir shops!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna Deen is a student at Washington University in St. Louis studying English Literature, American Culture Studies, and Communication Design. In her free time, she enjoys hiking in the mountains, going to art museums, and eating ice cream.